APSC employment strategy for Indigenous Australians

Last updated: 13 Jul 2015

This page is: current

This strategy should be read in conjuction with the Commission's plan on workplace diversity and the Commission's Reconciliation Action Plan.

Taking steps

Indigenous Australians are a unique group within our diverse workforce. The culture, history and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders lend themselves to some activities aimed particularly at supporting them.

Indigenous Australian employees will have access to all the benefits of the Commission's Workplace Diversity Plan—'including you'—as well as the measures listed in this strategy.

Making links

The Commission's Indigenous Australian employment strategy is also part of our commitment to Reconciliation. Actively supporting Indigenous employment is a positive display of the APSC's commitment.

Further, the APSC wishes to demonstrate its commitment to the Government's 'Closing the Gap' pledge by supporting the increased representation of Indigenous Australians in the APS workforce across all classifications and work areas to reflect the national Indigenous Australian working-age population of at least 2.6% by 2015.

We recognise the role that the Australian Public Service has in setting the standard for other employers; and within that the role the APSC is a role model for the APS. To this end, the Commission will champion the APS Employment and Capability Strategy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employees.

What will we keep doing?

Encourage and supporting Indigenous Australian employees within the Commission to work across the breadth of the Commission

Secure funding annually in the APSC budget for offering employment or placement opportunities for an Indigenous Graduate, a Cadet and a Trainee. And, where possible, expand the opportunities by accessing additional funds through the Pathways Program (or other means as appropriate)

Use fair and equitable recruitment processes that focus on assessing ability and are suitable for the role

Provide an informative and comprehensive induction in relation to the Commission's commitment and access to work-life balance initiatives, including flexible working options and leave for cultural purposes. This will include particular reference to supporting the family and cultural obligations of Indigenous Australians

Encourage employees to engage with the APS Indigenous Employees' Network

Encourage participation by all employees in Indigenous cultural activities, and develop the understanding of Indigenous cultures and issues by APS employees, including through participation in the Jawun Project

What will we start doing?

Supporting an APSC Indigenous Employees Network, and invite their input into the design and conduct of activities designed to support Indigenous employees, encourage Indigenous employment and promote cultural awareness

Provide a structured program of 'buddies' for Indigenous recruits, Graduates, Trainees and Cadets.

Implement a Work Experience Program specifically for Indigenous college and high school students

Why are we doing this?

Diversity in the workplace brings colour and joy and enriches our experiences. Those of us who are not Indigenous can learn much from our colleagues about our country, our history, and our stories.

And, promoting equal opportunity requires the APSC to remove any unnecessary barriers to employment be they real or perceived.

How will we know if we've achieved our aim?

Success will be evaluated against the measures identified in the Commission's Workplace Diversity Plan—'including you'. In summary, as described in that plan:

Including everyone will simply be the way we do business.

Our culture will be collaborative, courteous, non-judgemental and respectful

We will have a demographically diverse workforce, which is representative of the broad Australian community, and our employees are confident to declare their status

We will have evidence that everyone believes that they are treated with dignity and respect, are reasonably having their needs met, and are satisfied in their jobs

We will have evidence that our workplace is inclusive in both the way in which we work and the services we deliver

Asset ID: #66751

About the Commission

The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) is a central agency within the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio. The Commission supports two statutory office holders: the Australian Public Service Commissioner—who is also agency head—and the Merit Protection Commissioner. Their functions are set out in sections 41(1) and 50(1), respectively, of the Public Service Act 1999.